STEPPENWOLF OPENS WITH "UP"

The opening performance of "Up" was a sellout! This new play by Bridget Carpenter was directed by cast member Anna Shapiro and tells the story of Walter Griffin (played brilliantly by Ian Barford). It is based on real life inventor and dreamer Larry Walters, who in 1982, realized his dream of flying by attaching 45 helium balloons to a lawn chair. He reached 16,000 feet before the balloons began deflating and he landed in a tree. The story was a sensation at the time and Larry never reached such heighths again. "Up" is not exactly "up-lifting" but it makes you think and the play is particularly relevant now with the state of the economy because it's also about the pursuit of wealth. There was a cast party after at the Adobo Grill in Wicker Park and the margaritas were flowing! Opening night guests included Maureen and EB Smith, Jan Melk, Grace Barry, David Herro, Carol Prins, John Hart, Governor Pat Quinn, ensemble member John Mahoney, Christine Ott and Chris Long. If you get a chance to see it, let me know what you think. It runs through August 23rd.